R-MA demonstrated their rapid development as a team in a solid 0-0 first half at home to Delaney Athletic Conference (DAC) table-toppers Fredericksburg Academy (FA). Stifling their attacks and creating the best chances to take the lead were Danny Chung ‘17, Timmy Fajembola ’17 and Sang Yoon Lee ’18 all going close.
The contest was decided early in the second half after FA were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty box which ricocheted through the wall into the goal followed by a penalty that was clinically dispatched. R-MA were also reduced to 10 men for a foul that was a second bookable offense.
Unfortunately, a thrilling and tightly fought contest was decided by these key decisions and FA went on to add another three goals. The Jackets pushed forward in search of a goal, pulling one back from a corner that was neatly blasted into the net by center-back Ryan Latham ’18 who had been moved to the wing.
A very even contest ended with a 5-1 defeat, but a sense that R-MA are now challenging the top teams in the DAC and are becoming a force to be reckoned with is in the air .